Becky's goal is strictly business. She wants to make sure that things are done and that there is something to show. She does not care much about how it is being done or what is going on in the classroom. Rather, she wants to see what is written down and expects that everything is going well. It is all about looks rather than action for Becky. For staff development, Juanita is scared to tell her director anything because she is afraid of getting in trouble. That probably means she feels intimidated by her superior. Becky also makes Juanita feel like she is not competent because her students are not going by the schedule that she has posted. To get things done, she has one on one meetings, which are more intimidating and she just talks to Juanita about things that she is doing in the classroom that is on paper, but does not help or put any input about plans and concerns.
Yolanda's approach is coming into the classroom where the staff that work in the classroom are. She shares pictures and is excited to give input on things that she observed. She gives support on ideas and is excited to learn about what the children are learning in the classroom and what seems to be the interest of the children. She mentions anything that may trigger what may be the reason why the children are interested in moving. Also, she makes sure that the staff feel comfortable and asks for their opinions and ideas about how they could encourage and promote the children's development rather than just giving them answers.
Becky is more demanding and wants things in order, Yolanda is more encouraging and wants to have the teachers think and work together.
Aloha Monica,
ReplyDeleteI saw Becky as rigid, stern, unwelcoming, inconsiderate, and harsh. I didn't agree with the way she went about doing things. Yolanda was interested, engaged, considerate, and all around a good director to me, someone I would like to see as mine. Who do you think you can relate to and why? Do you agree with Becky's approach or Yolanda's? As a teacher how would you deal with a situation similar to Juanitas, would you speak up to your director?
Being able to access both these examples, and reflecting on yourself, Do you have certain things or aspects about your teaching or life that you would like to work on? How would you approach working on these aspects?
Mahalo for your post,
Kalama
I too did not agree with Becky's approach and thought Yolanda's approach was much more considerate and sincere so to say. Which approach can you most likely relate to? Is one way wrong?
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective on the different directors approaches, when i look at your title i wonder what defines the difference of a manager? as well as a coach? Do you think that it becky was looking out for the best interest of the classroom, do you think if juanita would have spoken up about her feelings that she would be heard. I feel that sometimes directors do things in a way that they assume is working but if nobody tell them its not then how are they supposed to know and change?
ReplyDeleteHi Monica,
ReplyDeleteWhat should preschool center’s goals be? Provide a caring, nurturing, and safe environment for children? To ensure children are developmental appropriate to their age? Teaching children to become modern citizens in their communities? How would you achieve these goals?
Being a director as well as a mentor are difficult positions to adjust amidst our field. The director’s position requires us to produce results that abide by societies’ standards (academic). The mentor’s position compels us to ensure that children learn in encouraging and fun experiences (developmental). With that in mind, should we solely focus on one position over the other? Is it possible to apply a balance of both?
I believe that teachers should be considerate of their director’s position and vice versa. There is a pressure on both groups to achieve these goals. At times, we are too focus on our own position, that we do not recognize others positions. Directors have to meet societies requirements while pursuing their own goals. Teachers attend to their own goals while meeting societies’ requirements. Essential, there are expectations that we all have to meet (despite the variance). Directors as well teachers need to establish a communicative relationship to provide children their best care that also meets societies’ standards.
Aloha Monica,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis of Becky and Yolanda. Although you identified mostly negative aspects in Becky's performance, do you think she used or promoted positive aspects? Do you think there was anything more or different you would have done in Yolanda's position? How come?
Do you think that you relate to Becky and Yolanda in any way? Why? I could relate to Becky's organizational and sense of predictability. Do you think her way of learning is like yours? Does Becky and Yolanda's learning and mentoring style appeal to you? Do you display any of these behaviors? What would you change to improve in yourself?
Thanks
Chloe